Stand Alone Pages

Monday, September 23, 2013

September 23 – Esther 1-5

Below are my thoughts from the daily
Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Esther
1-5. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you
read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

The decisions we make have
consequences. No matter how trivial or important they are, they all have
consequences. It is always wise to make decisions when we are thinking calmly
and with the right people around us. King Xerxes failed at this on two occasions
today in our reading. The first is during a long feast and celebration the king
was throwing. When his wife refused to parade herself before the guest, in
anger the King did something he refused. The king turned to his trusted
advisors and they encouraged him to make an example of the queen by banishing
her.

Having trusted advisors is important,
but having the correct advisors is even more important. Xerxes listens to their
ill advice and soon begins to regret his actions … “But after Xerxes’ anger had
subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree
he had made.” (Esther 2:1 NLT) Had he waited until he was no longer angry, he
might have made a better decision.

Xerxes did not learn from his first
mistake, and the second time and entire race of peoples lives are put on the
line. Haman has a personal hate campaign against the Jews, and seeks to use his
position

with the king to wipe them out. Without doing any research, without
pausing to think through the ramifications, Xerxes gives the go ahead for Haman
to carry out his terrible plot. Fortunately as we will see tomorrow God is in
control, and Esther is in position for such a time as this.

What about you? Do you ever react
before thinking things through? Do you allow your anger or your carelessness to
get the best of you? Let Xerxes teach you an important lesson, surround
yourself with people who will give you wise advice, and allow yourself some
time to think before hitting send.